Cincinnati lost to Memphis last week 34-24 in Memphis with the win Memphis was able to secure a rematch against Cincinnati in Memphis. Zach Connor wrote 3 things Cincinnati could do to secure a victory this time around. If, Cincinnati could win they would have a strong chance to go to the Cotton Bowl, but with a win Memphis would more than secure that slot as they are the highest G5 school currently. Would Cincinnati be able to win the sequel?
Cincinnati struck first with a 6 yard touchdown run by Michael Warren II. Memphis went on a 10-0 run started with a 29 yard field goal and a 65 yard touchdown run by Antonio Gibson. Desmond Ridder answered with a 15 yard touchdown run to give Cincinnati a 14-10 lead heading into the half, but if you watched the game you know Cincinnati left points on the board. Jayshon Jackson dropped a dime by Ridder that would’ve been a touchdown, Ridder fumbled on a 50 yard run that had Cincinnati inside the redzone and the officials ruled a fumble by Memphis catchers interference on Cincinnati on a punt return to gift them the ball back. This was a game that Cincinnati should’ve been easily up 28-10 going into the half, yet they were only up 14-10.
In the second half Memphis drew blood first on a 1 yard run by Brady White and Cincinnati answered with a Warren II 3 yard touchdown run to give Cincinnati a 21-17 lead. After two field goals by Patterson, Memphis was up 23-21, Sam Crosa hit a big one to give Cincinnati a 24-23 lead with less than seven minutes left in the game. As great as the defense had been all day they couldn’t get a final stop Gibson scored on a 6 yard pass from White with 1:14 left to give Memphis a 29-24 lead. Cincinnati got to the 21 yard line, but wasn’t able to score as Memphis defense stepped up to secured the win and earn the AAC Championship.
Cincinnati out gained Memphis 454-447, but drops, losing the turnover battle and penalties killed Cincinnati. Cincinnati outplayed Memphis, but Memphis made fewer mistakes and now Memphis will play in the Cotton Bowl and Cincinnati will have to see where they will land.
Cincinnati is now 10-3 with a chance to finish the season with 11 wins.
Ridder went 16-of-36 passing for 233 yards and an interception, as well as 11 rushes for 113 yards and a touchdown. Warren II finished with 99 yards and two touchdowns. Darrick Forrest finished with a team high 12 tackles and 1.0 tackle for loss. Bryan Wright finished with 11 tackles and 2.0 tackles for loss. Myjai Sanders and Ethan Tucky both had a sack.
